System and Applications Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 18752

Date Posted: 27 June 2024

Application Deadline: 18 July 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description
System and Applications Engineer in the Ground Segment System and Cybersecurity Engineering Section (OPS-GAE), of the System and Applications Engineering Division, in the Ground System Engineering and Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations.

The Ground Segment System and Cybersecurity Section (OPS-GAE) is responsible for supporting ESA programmes through the management of end-to-end ground segment systems and cybersecurity engineering activities in support of the overall ESA matrix organisation. The Section is also responsible for the overall security engineering management for the Directorate and contributing to its cybersecurity strategy. It leads the system engineering and cybersecurity-related technology and standardisation strategies and manages the necessary developments as part of the ESA technology programmes.

The Systems and Applications Engineering Division is responsible for:

• engineering the software infrastructure, systems and applications required for mission operations or by space programmes for various purposes and managing them end-to-end throughout their lifecycle. The systems include mission control systems, mission planning systems, simulators and data processing systems;
• delivering the systems and providing the associated development, maintenance and user support, in line with customer requirements;
• leading European space sector efforts in the ground system and applications engineering domain, fostering innovation and commercialisation;
• spinning-in advanced technologies and methodologies for system and applications engineering, particularly in key strategic areas such as automation and ground cybersecurity engineering;
• carrying out R&D activities in the Division's domain of responsibility;
• carrying out the standardisation and European harmonisation efforts in the Division's domain of responsibility, in particular in international forums such as ECSS and CCSDS;
• managing and transforming the Directorate’s software licensing with a focus on establishing and managing open source communities.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• defining, implementing, maintaining, and evolving systems, applications, and infrastructure for ESA programmes, in particular the Space Safety Programme (S2P). This includes provision of high-level operational data system definitions, software requirement specifications, and interface management;
• leading the ground segment integration and testing activities in particular for S2P and supporting system operational validation;
• supporting ESA programmes, in particular S2P, through the management and execution of engineering projects and management of the related industrial contracts as technical officer. This includes executing the evaluation of proposals, technical reviews, acceptance milestones and progress meetings with industry;
• engaging with the space safety programme teams, external partners and communities to foster cooperation and efficient project execution;
• contributing to the definition of the ground segment technology roadmaps, identification of necessary technology developments, and ensuring their execution through an appropriate funding scheme;
• defining the ground segment system security architectures, ensuring identification and implementation of security controls in response to unacceptable risks and implementing the end-to-end security engineering lifecycle;
• supporting the oversight function of ground segment system security verification and validation activities in line with applicable assurance requirements and the agreed levels of compliance.

Your initial duties will be focused on Space Safety Programme (S2P) system engineering tasks.

Technical competencies
Strong and proven skills in project planning and execution as well as management of industrial contracts

Proven expertise in ground segment system engineering, including mission exploitation elements of the ground segment

Proven expertise in cloud computing and cloud-native software applications, proven working experience with DevSecOPS processes and tools, and transforming and migrating legacy applications into a cloud environment

Knowledge in state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies and concepts and cybersecurity engineering processes

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education
A master's degree in system engineering, software engineering, or computer science is required for this post.

Additional requirements
A background or experience in the following would be an additional benefit:

• Space safety related ground systems, specifically in the domains of space weather and planetary defence
• Knowledge of innovation processes and the spin-in of innovations into operational systems

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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